Much Ado about Leftovers

Leftovers aren't always appealing.  You either love them or hate them.

Personally, I can't handle leftover Chinese food.  Yet I know people who'll eat it for breakfast.  To me, the sauces seem a little too congealed and the salty appeal doesn't strike a second time.

Then there are foods that taste even better the next day, like cold pizza and, of course, my Tangy Beef BBQ.

My family is stuck, for now, at the size of three eaters.  When I cook there is usually another meal's worth left.  Sometimes we eat the leftovers for lunches on subsequent days.  Other times I throw it in the freezer to serve some other night.  The very best use of extra food?  Divvying it up with others!

Sharing food can boost your confidence.  It really jazzes me when good friends give me their stamp of approval!  I love bringing a tasting portion of a new dish over to a girlfriend for her to critique.  Recently, my Hubby invited a couple of buddies over for breakfast to sample the Crème Brûlée French Toast I was perfecting for our church's mother-daughter banquet.  (Watch for the recipe tomorrow morning...it's to die for!)  If they hadn't joined us, we three would have been stuck with a huge pan of sinfully sweet leftovers.  (And I would have gained three more pounds!)  Besides, morning coffee is always better with friends around your table.

Food is also useful for bartering.  I often exchange quarts of soup for dog-sitting with a dear friend.  I've paid for my deck to be power-washed with frozen fish and venison.  Through the years, feeding contractor friends has helped us accomplish home projects at more reasonable rates...since they knew supper would be included.  And I've thanked many a friend for a kindness given by inviting them to our dinner table.

Food's main job is to feed our bodies, to nourish us and to bolster our good health. But when we spread it around, food also has the power 

to gather people in community, 

to comfort the grieving, 

to grow friendships, 

to console the weary, 

to calm the overwhelmed, and 

to create an atmosphere of celebration,

by turns. 

 There's a heartwarming pleasure to bringing a meal to someone in need.  I enjoy dividing a big recipe into two portions and bringing half to another family.  Folks who are experiencing illness or hard times, recovering from surgery, or adjusting to life with a newborn greatly appreciate the delicious support. Try it sometime. Don't be shy!

A favorite Bible story of mine is about the widow of Zarephath.  She lived by faith and shared bread with the prophet Elijah when all she had left was a handful of flour and a little oil.  She wasn't worried about leftovers; she was terrified of running out of food -- and starving!  Still, every day she first made a cake for Elijah, then one for herself and her son.  God, in His meticulous providence, poured down grace in an unusual way:  the widow's flour jar was - miraculously! - never empty, and her oil jug did not run dry.  I Kings 17:7-24.

God intends us to show hospitality to those around us, whether we are knee-deep in provisions or feeling impoverished.  Ultimately, He is the supplier of all good things.  When we exercise generosity, He continues to provide for our needs. 

Leftovers?  Not really.  I have a plan for that!

To enjoy more blogging caffeinated randomness, visit Under Grace and Over Coffee.

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** And by the way, my good friend Julie Sopha had a hilarious blog entry this week.